ISP 120 Quantitative Reasoning

The purpose of the Quantitative Reasoning course at DePaul University is to help you to become a confident and critical user of quantitative information. The course addresses the growing need for quantitative and computer literacy in the face of an enormous expansion in the use of quantitative methods and information in the social and physical sciences as well as daily life. Key characteristics of the course are

You will learn primarily working with data sets from many different disciplines, such as psychology, environmental science, economics, finance, sociology, history. You will write critiques of quantitative arguments, gather data and present arguments.

You will use spreadsheets (Excel), word processors (Word), presentation software (PowerPoint) and the Internet in an integrated manner in all sections. Specific quantitative skills that are addressed include:

Week 1	Introduction to Mathematical Models and Linear Models In Class Activity 00 - (to be completed & turn in during class on 9/10) In Class Activity 1 - (to be completed & turn in during class on 9/15) Power Point Presentation: Trendlines Assignment 1 STUDY NOTES: Linear Functions Making Trendlines Trendlines Justifying your Predictions
Week 2	Exponential Models In Class Activity 2 In Class Activity 3 Power Point Presentation , Excel File Exponential Modeling Worksheet Solving with Logarithms Radioactive Dating Special Activity Assignment 2- Due on 9-29-09
Week 3	Making and Interpreting Graphs Lecture: Graphs In Class Activity 4 Assignment 3- Due on 10-01-09 Practice 1 Practice 2 Practice 3 STUDY NOTES: Making Graphs in Excel 2007 Making Graphs in Excel 2003
Week 4	Absolute and Relative Quantities Lecture: Absolute & Relative In Class Worksheet 3a Excel Files: HIV_Total_Population_By_Country_2005.xls , SportsInjuries.xls StatePoverty2007.xls Assignment 4 MidTerm Practice -PowerPoint Presentation
Week 5	Localized Trendlines In Class Activity 7 Techniques in Excel Homework: Work on Stage 1-Final Project
Week 6	Percentages Successive Percentage Change In Class Activity 8 Stage 2 - Due on 10-29-09
Week 7	Module: The consumer price index and the value of money CPI Tutorial CPI Notes Worksheet 7 In-Class Activity 10 In-Class Activity 11 Assignment 5- Due on 10/27/09 Loans
Week 8	Credit Cards Credit Cards Options Activity 13 Activity 14
Week 9	Mortgage Loans Investments Savings Excel File: Savings Activity 12
Week 10	Presentations
Week 11	Final Exam - November 24,2009 8:45a-11:00a